Pakistan Witnesses Historic Candidacies: First Hindu Woman and Transgender Person to Contest Elections
Dr Saveera Parkash, having successfully passed document scrutiny
In a groundbreaking development, Pakistan is set to witness history in the upcoming general elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa‘s Buner district, as Dr Saveera Parkash, the first woman from the Hindu community, and Sobia Khan, a transgender person, step into the political arena.
Dr Saveera Parkash, having successfully passed document scrutiny, will contest elections in the PK-25 constituency of the KP Assembly. Completing her MBBS from Abbottabad International Medical College in 2022, Dr Parkash, also the General Secretary of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) women’s wing in Buner, has filed nomination papers for national and provincial assembly reserved seats. She will face notable contenders, including ANP leader Sardar Hussain Babak, former minister Riaz Khan, and JUI-F leader Mufti Fazal Ghafoor in the polls scheduled for February 8, 2024.
Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming response from local people, Dr Saveera Parkash highlighted the appreciation even from leaders and supporters of religious parties for her decision to contest the election.
In another historic move, Sobia Khan, a transgender person, filed nomination papers as an independent candidate for the provincial assembly seat from constituency PK-81. Sobia, the first transgender radio jockey in the province with a Bachelor’s degree, aims to champion the rights of the transgender community, women, and children if elected. Her campaign strategy includes an extensive door-to-door outreach, challenging societal perceptions and aiming to garner support from both men and women in the area.
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These groundbreaking candidacies underscore a positive shift towards inclusivity and representation in Pakistani politics, marking a significant milestone in embracing diversity and promoting the rights of marginalized communities.
